G20 Delegates Visit Dhamek Stupa And Other Holy Buddhist Sites In Sarnath

Varanasi, June 14 (TNA) After the successful culmination of the ongoing G20 Development Ministers meeting in Varanasi, the G20 delegates accompanied by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the historic Sarnath on Tuesday.

The foreign delegates saw the ancient monuments, Dhamek Stupa, and museum among others during their visit.

Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar was also seen giving information to the delegates about the historical place Sarnath.However, the Uttar Pradesh government designated 115 guides who were accompanying foreign delegates to offer all the information.

After the successful completion of the conference, the External Affairs Minister took to twitter and extended gratitude to the Yogi government for the excellent arrangements. During the Sarnath tour, the foreign delegates performed ’parikrama’ of the 43.6 meter high and 28 meter wide Dhamek Stupa. A cultural program was also organized and after that, all the guests left for Delhi.

On this occasion, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said, “We are leaving Varanasi today with wonderful memories of Sarnath Darshan.” Earlier the G20 Development Ministers' Conference in Varanasi adopted an ambitious seven-year action plan presented by India to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the G20 countries.

Besides, another document was accepted in the meeting with the aim of increasing cooperation and partnership regarding sustainable lifestyles for meeting climate change goals. The outcome of the document adopted by the development ministers will be presented for consideration by G20 leaders at the G20 Leaders’ Summit to be held in New Delhi on September 9 and 10 in 2023.

During his address, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said, “The action plan on the SDGs will not only inspire a stronger G20 commitment to the development agenda but also drive transformative actions in three key areas.” He further revealed that discussions were held among the G-20 countries regarding lifestyle in relation to environmental conservation and India's lifestyle was presented as a model in this context.

In the meeting, Jaishankar also said that India has become the voice of the Global South and has tried to raise the issues of financial gap and debt challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Talking about the major changes brought by India after taking over the G20 presidency, he said, “India's approach has brought development back to the G20's focus and has given hope to the countries of the Global South.”